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Acura RSX (All years/types)
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I bought a used 2002 Type S with a visor this past June. I bought the car mostly because it also had the foglights already installed. I acutally hate the visor a lot, when it's put on it actually blocks about 1/2 to 2/3 of the moonroof, and when the roof itself slides back (as you know) it also blocks about 1/4 of the roof. Result: You are left with about 1/4 or 1/3 of actual open moonroof. Which makes the principle of a moonroof seem pointless. Plus, when you go over bumps, it can shake and make thud noises. In addition, it's impossible to clean under it properly and I am weary that spiders and such will make nests in it. I am 6'3 as well, and I am telling you don't get it. I am actually having it removed at my first service visit. You want it?
Could you tell me where you got the PIAA foglights and whether you installed them yourself?
Just found out yesterday that the dealer, when installing the replacement fogs, "modified" my bumper to fit the replacements in. The bumper was also repainted at some point along the way.
Needless to say I'm not too pleased about this and the dealer will be giving me an explantation during my next service call.
I'm considering taking them out and installing some PIAA's also.
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)
I'm bringing my car in for it's scheduled maintenance (I'll soon be weening it from those visits)
Also, while in the shop, they will be looking into my red SRS light. It has been lit for the past few thousand miles.
Hello everyone, my name is Matt. I am about to sell my 1971 Blue (with black stripes)Chevelle for around 10k. I will be putting all of that money down on a new car. I love the look of the RSX inside and out. I need an automatic because I just don't want a stick right now. I am still not sure about the RSX mainly because of all the problems I read about in the "RSX PROBLEMS" discussion, but then again if you go to a hospital you see sick people if that makes any sense at all. I am 18 years old and will be buying this completely on my own, but my father will co-sign for me and hopefully we will get a decent enough rate on the financing.
Please I just need help because I am going this Friday to look at a '04 Satin SIlver RSX with black cloth interior and I don't want to be so impressed I just buy it then regret it later....
I need help with real simple questions most people ask when buying a new car...
- Good warranty/service?
- How much should I be looking to spend for what I want?
- How much is that Factory Premium Package or whatever the heck it is?
- Is it fast enough?...is it strong enough?
- Is it going to turn into a rattle trap?
- Are they going to release a newer better version of the same model within a friggin' year (my luck)?
Answers to ANY of these questions are much appreciated and please go easy on me if I sound dumb (this is my first time posting here). All I know is my father owns a frame/suspension/collision repair shop and he hates ALL new cars, but he "liked" this one when he got behind the wheel and that is impressive to me so it sparked my interest in this cool little car.
Oh and also, is the stereo that freaking bad????!?!!!!!
One thing it will not turn into a rattle trap. Acura body panels fit & finish as well as interior materials are top notch.
It probably won't feel as fast as you're chevelle (you runnin' a 396 or 327 or what) off the line. The car is light on it's feet and will handle really well.
Whatever you decide...good luck!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
- Good warranty/service?
- How much should I be looking to spend for what I want?
- How much is that Factory Premium Package or whatever the heck it is?
- Is it fast enough?...is it strong enough?
- Is it going to turn into a rattle trap?
- Are they going to release a newer better version of the same model within a friggin' year (my luck)?
I have had excellent service with my RSX. Which, by the way, is an automatic. I bring it in on a regular basis for it's scheduled maintenance and now have 46,000 miles on it.
I paid around 19,000 for mine but that will vary depending on where you live.
I'm not sure what you mean by the factory premium package.
It won't be as fast as your Chevelle but the RSX is still quick. I used to own a muscle car and while the RSX is not really in it's league for torque, it makes up for in handling and agility. In my opinion, that's where the fun is in driving. As I said, I have the sportshift automatic, so I am still able to make use of the powerband when I want to....similar to a manual. I also use it in the winter for engine braking (similar to a manual) Granted, the RSX premium has less power than the type S, but the powerband is designed for lower rpms so it feels more streetable.
As of now, I have had no rattles that I have noticed. The interior is tight. If you start taking the dashboard apart for mods then you might start initiating rattles.
As far as I know, there are no plans for any major changes to the car. Besides, I thought you LIKED the way it looked.
:-)
The performance package is overpriced hooey, if you ask me. Some ground effects, some suspension tuning and a few other things that don't come close to justifying the (IIRC) approx $5k price.
The acceleration of the Type S is awesome, IMO, for this type of car. Esp on the highway, my problem is watching the speedo to make sure I haven't hit 90 when I'm just trying to do 65.
It's tight as a drum, no worries there. It's quite e package, I doubt there'll be significant improvement in the near term.
I guess it's personal taste because I like it like that. It gives the car a slimmer appearance from the side.
Just my opinion.
+ Yes: 4 years/50 kmi.
- How much should I be looking to spend for what I want?
+ Don't go much above invoice. 2003s will be cheaper if there are any left. For 2004, you should still spend closer to invoice than MSRP.
- How much is that Factory Premium Package or whatever the heck it is?
+ What is this? Do you mean the sound system? There's no choice for audio - if you buy a base, then you won't get the Bose woofer and 6-CD changer. That's a good thing, probably, since you can use the cost difference to put in a killer sound system.
- Is it fast enough?...is it strong enough?
+ Type-S is a bit faster than base (200 HP vs. 160 HP). RSX base w/ a MT is quick enough for most folks.
- Is it going to turn into a rattle trap?
+ I hope not. Acura has a pretty good reputation.
- Are they going to release a newer better version of the same model within a friggin' year (my luck)?
+ I think the RSX will be due for a reskin in 2005, but no major redesign until 2007 or 2008.
Good luck.
Here's what the package includes:
High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
Slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads
Lightweight 17x7.5 inch alloy wheels
High performance tires (225/45VR17)
Factory performance rear wing spoiler
Under-body spoiler kit
Metallic look interior trim kit
Factory Performance shift knob
Factory Performance badging
Here's what it looks like:
Photo is from the Edmunds RSX type S page.
I've an 03 TYpe S and the base modle is quicker from the get go.
YA, $4800 is a bit much.IMO
I've also heard that the base engine has more low end. The torque curves prove it, but with such a smooth fast revving engine....this shouldn't be a concern.
I, OTOH, have the automatic which gives an additional shot of torque right off the line due to the torque converter. It's not much but every little bit helps.
Another way to gain more low end power is by replacing the existing air cleaner with a cold air intake.
I doubt I will ever rev mine over 5500 rpm.
We got our base RSX in October after drooling over the car for 1.5 years. We love it.
You're right, technically. But the HP differences are pretty miniscule. The HP difference peaks at about 10 at 4000 rpms. It's identical up to 3000 rpm and is virtually identical up to about 5300 rpm where the type-S gradually pulls away.
The torque difference is similarly small. It's identical below 2000 rpm. There's about a 5 ft-lb difference at 2500 rpm and about 10 ft-lbs at 4000, rpms. The difference is less at other points. The type S torque pulls away at, once again, 5300 rpm.
It appears to me that the hp/torque output difference below 5300 rpm is minimal with a significant advacntage to the type S over 5300 rpm.
I agree that, unless you race, you don't often exceed 5000 rpms. However, I often downshift to pass on the highway and I go over 6000 rpms at times. The power I get is awesome. I don't do it often or hold it very long, but it's, um, kinda neat ;-)
I do a lot of highway driving and it's important to me to be able to be able to "move out" when I need to.
People tend to buy their vehicles to suit their needs (hmmm, sounds like a segue to another forum)
:-)
Remember though that torque is what moves the car in the lower RPMs and HP is what moves the car in the higher RPMs. (Perhaps I'm simplifying/butchering that explanation, but that's the general rule)
And 5-10 ft lbs of torque is substantial for this sized car...so for people that like to play in the lower rpms, the base is probably better. For poeple that like to play in upper rpms, the type S is better.
http://vettenet.org/torquehp.html
This link was pointed out to me a couple of years ago and it still is probably the best explanation of everything you want to know about torque and HP.
I doubt I will ever rev mine over 5500 rpm.
If you had a Type-S, you'd probably rephrase that sentence to say:
I doubt I will ever rev mine below 5500 rpm.
;-)
Too many stupid gears to choose from!
Wasing this car is a pain because the part under the doors is color coded. I wish it was black!
Premium gas! You gotta be kidding!
Not enough power below 5500 rpm. Wish I had the base model.
At least I have the fancy exhaust pipe. I knew I was paying for something!
Bob
I love the flexibility of the 6-speed (this is a sweet shifter), and I have no problems with finding power. Of course, I do get a little rev- happy, so it might just be driving styles.
Out of curiosity, does your base have a manual or an AT? I ask mostly because I didn't like the AT on the base I drove, but I never tested the base's manual and was curious if its quality matched the one on the type-S.
I just put on a pair of Michelin Arctic Alpins and haven't had any troubles this year yet (already had two good sized storms here in the Northeast)
In the spring I'll be needing to switch back to some summer tires. I haven't decided yet to swap off with the original rims or get a second set of dedicated rims.
Seriously, I can't see any real advantage to the S model. According to the manual, the S engine has less horsepower and less torque than the base engine below 5500 rpm. Also, five speeds are enough for me.
It all depends on each individuals driving requirements. Some people enjoy driving their car up in the high rpms, and with the extra HP that the Type S gives in that range, it can be a lot of fun.
I chose the sport shift because at the time I was driving in stop and go traffic 700 miles per week and had no interest in working a clutch constantly.
There are some things that I prefer doing for myself. As you can see, the second thing that comes to mind is shifting gears.
Talking about the charts in an academic way has its merits, but I will be very honest - I notice a big difference in the two cars. Although the peak HP and Torque are above 5500 in the Type S, it pulls quite strongly starting around 2500 or so all the way up to the red line... and that sound is intoxicating. You can feel the VTEC kick in a little bit around 3500 or so (not as noticeable on previous non-iVTECs though). I had a 94 Accord EX and to me driving the base RSX, in terms of HP and pull, felt equivalent. Although the suspension and shifter were much better, power was in my opinion the same. The Type S feels like a sports car. Its suspension is much stiffer, I will grant that and wish it was a little more compliant (I live in a city), but I am never without adequate passing power or whatever in my Type S, it's always there. This car is plenty plenty fast. And the six-speed is nice because it keeps the revs down around 3000 at about 70-75 mph, which is good.
But, here is my qualifier to all this... I feel that I don't get to use all of the Type S where I live, although it's more powerful and a blast, I hardly ever really get to take it out and enjoy it, with that being said, around town the Base model may make more sense. I don't regret my purchase one bit, but it is something to think about I think. Now that I have more free time (no longer getting my master's at night) I can take it for drives out into the burbs and mountains, but we shall see. Overall though, this car is really nice and the interior is great.
bobst, just like you enjoy shifting your own gears, some of us enjoy airing out the engine a little (as in living above 5 krpm).
edberg, I'm glad you're enjoying your RSX-S. Too bad you can't enjoy it to your max in the city, but hopefully you'll find some rural roads outside of the city where you can have a little fun.
Any specific recommendations for the RSX (I have the base model, if it matters?) I'm in Northern Virginia, so I'd certainly want something that *can* handle snow, but that wouldn't be the defining characteristic.
Anyway, my car recently rolled past the 18,000 mile mark. It'll be 2 years old in a couple months.
djconner, you might want to try the Problems/Solution forum. I'm thinking of getting Continental ContiExtremeContact tires, which are categorized as "Ultra High Performance All-Season" tires by tirerack.com.
I have been looking at the Civic SI, but unlike this car, SIs are next to impossible to find. Both are fun, and this one gets better gas mileage. The only complaints common to most folks commenting on this car are noisy ride and just-OK radio, both of which I was mindful of when test driving. It seemed OK to me, so I am hoping it is still OK two years from now! :-P
I know that some people buying the SI (with the same engine) have had oil consumption issues...has that happened for any owners here?
2014 Mini Cooper (stick shift of course), 2016 Camry hybrid, 2009 Outback Sport 5-spd (keeping the stick alive)